The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the aviation sector and in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning over the past two years are too significant to be downplayed by the opposition.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly on Thursday during the House’s Open Week event, Agbese highlighted major strides recorded in both sectors under the current administration. He attributed the progress to the clear policy direction of President Tinubu and the pragmatic leadership of the respective ministers.
“What we are seeing today in aviation and in budget and economic planning is not by chance. It is the result of purposeful leadership driven by President Tinubu and delivered through competent ministers like Festus Keyamo and Senator Atiku Bagudu,” Agbese said.
According to him, the aviation sector under Minister Festus Keyamo has witnessed visible reforms that are restoring public confidence and attracting international partnerships.
“Airports across the country are undergoing significant upgrades, terminals are being expanded, facilities modernised, and long-abandoned projects are being completed. In Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, the difference is clear,” he said.
Agbese also praised Keyamo’s decision to halt the controversial Nigeria Air project initiated by former Minister Hadi Sirika, describing it as a demonstration of transparency and accountability.
“For the first time, we have a minister who is not afraid to stop a project midstream when it raises red flags. That’s leadership with integrity,” he said.
He noted that the ongoing concessioning of airport terminals, revival of safety regulations and improved relations with international airlines are attracting foreign direct investment and positioning Nigeria as a hub in West Africa.
Agbese further said one of Keyamo’s most applauded achievements was the recovery of over 831 million dollars in trapped revenue owed to foreign airlines.
“By collaborating closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria, he devised a phased payout schedule that cleared the backlog of unsurrendered ticket revenue at a blended rate and secured cabinet approval to prioritise future ticket sales for foreign exchange allocation.
“The aviation sector is no longer a drain; it is gradually becoming a revenue earner. Keyamo’s reforms are creating jobs, boosting tourism and stimulating economic activities,” he said.
On the economic front, Agbese said the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning under Senator Atiku Bagudu has redefined Nigeria’s approach to fiscal discipline and strategic development.
He commended Bagudu for what he described as bold and strategic leadership in repositioning the country’s economic planning architecture.
“Senator Bagudu has brought competence, clarity and accountability into economic governance. His achievements in the last two years are too glaring to be ignored, even by critics. The budgeting process has never been this efficient or responsive to national priorities,” he said.
Agbese praised the development of the Eyemark app, an innovation of the Ministry designed to enable Nigerians monitor federal projects in their communities and provide real-time feedback.
“This innovation alone is a game changer in public project monitoring and citizen engagement,” he added.
He also commended Bagudu for revising the National Development Plan (2021–2025) to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the plan reflects the administration’s eight key priorities.
“That plan incorporates the President’s eight priorities. It is a testament to the Minister’s commitment to ensuring that public spending aligns with strategic national goals,” Agbese said.
On poverty reduction, Agbese noted that Bagudu’s leadership of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy has produced visible results.
“He coordinated interventions that led to the creation of over 67,000 jobs in just one year, disbursed more than 438 billion naira to states, and ensured the proper deployment of a 750 million dollar credit facility. These are not just numbers; they represent livelihoods lifted and families supported.”
He credited the Minister with promoting grassroots planning through joint sessions with state governments, initiating nutrition-sensitive governance reforms and institutionalising transparency by publishing a Performance Report of the Nigerian Economy.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges such as funding limitations and coordination among economic agencies, Agbese said Bagudu has remained focused and pragmatic.
He urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, dismissing recent criticisms from opposition figures as politically motivated and disconnected from current realities.
“Even the fiercest critics can no longer deny the direction this government is headed. The reforms are bold, the outcomes are tangible and the momentum is strong,” Agbese said.
He called on Nigerians to give the administration time to consolidate the gains already made.
“The foundation is being laid. These changes take time, but the results are beginning to show. If we stay the course, Nigeria will be better off for it,” he said.
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